We will finish up with these love languages next week, but today let me take a moment to talk about the importance of taking inventory, every now and again. This means we need to, purposely, see if what we are doing for the other person is helping them feel more loved or not. Part of life is trial and error, right? Add to that that humans are always changing, so something that they enjoyed a while ago, might not be their cup of tea now. So when we make the time to evaluate our relationship, we can choose to make adjustments that will deepen the relationship. I am not saying we have to make some kind of spreadsheet about every little thing we are doing and whether it is helping or not. But I am saying we must pay attention to whether the other person feels like their love tank is getting full or not. And of course, this goes both ways.
If our love tank seems empty, then perhaps we must have an honest talk with our loved one. If this is a marriage, then this means not pointing accusing fingers at our spouse, but focusing on our own needs and sharing them. We must clearly define them and be open to share the things that would make us feel more secure, more fulfilled, more loved. This is really a heart attitude check on both parties behalf. If we truly want the relationship to be as healthy and satisfying as possible, then we must take the time to adjust our hearts when things seem like they are not working.
This is true about our relationship with God too. There have been way too many times when I have felt frustrated about life, not having some prayers answered the way I wanted, and when I wanted, and my heart attitude towards God was poor. I began to question His Love, thinking, “Is He even listening? Does He even care?” But the moment I stop and take inventory of my thoughts and emotions, I realize what I am doing must be corrected and I adjust my heart towards God, remembering things like Romans 8:28 and that His Love and His Timing are perfect. Then, “all of a sudden,” even without getting the answers I wanted, peace and joy return to me and I can keep on moving forward, sensing His Love and continuing to trust Him. Nothing changes, and yet everything changes! And this is simply because I continue to make it a habit to take inventory concerning how my relationships are progressing.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The Bible
February: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
<>< Peace, Diane
